Food Fight!!! ... Or maybe they just don't like each other

BAM!!

Ready for round two

CHRISTMAS, FL - - Being in the right place at the right time for a good photo is half the battle; anticipating the action and being ready for it finishes off the equation. The Orlando Wetlands was the right place; early morning Sunday was the right time and having seen territorial squabbles before provided the anticipation.  Add in a first-time sighting of a Purple Swamphen and the usual suspects:  Coots (white beak) and Moorhens (red beak) and you have the fight card.

BAM:  The swamphen got a running start and trashed the coot by running into and over top while jamming the coot underwater in a big splash.  The brave (or foolish) moorhead can be seen just entering the frame (left) in a 'fearless' show of support.

ROUND TWO??:  Taking a hard left turn under wings-up braking, the swamphen prepares to get ready for round two.  Although it appears a two against one battle was about to take place it didn't happen.  It was clear who got their butt kicked so the three went back to looking for breakfast while  warily watching each other.

While out wandering

A spider lily in colorful attire...on a walk out to breakfast

A sherbet orange (cream sickle I call it) ...on the way to Sunset Park

Obviously, an error which I'm reluctant to try and fix and risk screwing up

Four Corners Parks so you have a choice when you walk the OB bridge

One of St. Augustine's many 'parking' areas...in case you arrive by boat
 

The nose knows; the eyes, too

 

ORMOND BEACH, FL - - For some of us, January and February (in Florida) are the worst months of the year.  It's pine tree pollen time... along with some grasses which dust up the air.  How bad is it.  You can see yellow dust on your car; in the cracks of the sidewalk and collecting on still waterways like the above pic.  This fine pollen causes me sneezing fits and very itchy eyes.  Then, come March, it's mostly gone here in  Florida.  Elsewhere, there's no telling.  

     In 2008, we worked in Yosemite NP for the summer.  The long leaf pine pollen was so thick you could shovel it from road drains where it collected.  And then I discovered 'rabbit brush' which is like the ragweed we have on the east coast on many, many times stronger.  On one hike to an abandoned mine the brush pollen was so bad my eyes were swollen nearly shut.  Lesson learned.  

Drops of rain on hibiscus petals

 

Yes, I've been shot...twice

 ORMOND BEACH, FL - - The photo is different but the message is the same: I / we have received our second shot of the Covid-19 vaccine.  A previous post had the same information, but a different photo which I deleted.  Stay safe; stay distant; wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer and please wear a mask when needed.